Pathways to Purpose and Prosperity

Join your hosts, Virginia Ed Strategies and Chesapeake Public Schools, along with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and other community members to screen the new documentary, Multiple Choice, and to explore how we can give every student real options, relevant skills, and clear pathways to purposeful, fulfilling employment and prosperous futures.

This event is FREE, but advance registration is required.

Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works, will bring remarks on what the Commonwealth of Virginia is doing from a policy and funding perspective to support schools in providing career-connected learning for students.

Interspersed with clips from Multiple Choice , our panel discussion of regional leaders from education, workforce development, and industry moderated by Scott Cohen, High School Guidance Director, Indian River High School, will explore the future of career-connected learning and student success in Chesapeake and the greater region.

Our aim is to inspire focused dialogue about career-based learning, talent pipelines, and what it takes to prepare students for a world in which AI is already eliminating most entry-level jobs for fresh college graduates. Together we will identify actionable next steps and build connections that contribute to transforming education and workforce development in the region.

Panelists include:

Michelle Bartlett, Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University

Art Hall, Vice President of Workforce Solutions, Tidewater Community College

Jared Cotton, Superintendent, Chesapeake Public Schools

Alicia Uzzle, Manager, Huntington Ingalls-Newport News Shipbuilding

Steven Wright, Director of Economic Development, City of Chesapeake

Steve Cook, Chief Innovation Officer, Hampton Roads Workforce Council

For decades, America’s data-driven college-for-all agenda has created a no-win choice for most high school graduates: take on the risk and expense of college or work a low-wage job. But in an economically-challenged Virginia community, one superintendent is demonstrating the immense power of career-based learning—not as a last-chance resort for some, but as foundational for all.

The film Multiple Choice immerses viewers in the district’s Innovation Center, where all students explore diverse careers, collaborate, and master traditional and new-economy skills. Amid political turmoil and tech upheaval, Multiple Choice offers an inspiring vision of kids finding purposeful paths, with a community united toward the goal of prosperity for all.

Guests will enjoy a complimentary reception with light hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beverages provided by Peake Café, a student-led cafeteria and catering service of Chesapeake Public Schools.

Following the event, attendees will receive complimentary access to view the full 55-minute film at home.

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